Tech Runnerhttps://techrunner.org
We love running, and we love techFri, 02 Jun 2017 02:26:38 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngTech Runnerhttps://techrunner.org
Wello Mobile Case Turns Your Smartphone Into A Health Trackerhttps://techrunner.org/2014/03/20/wello-mobile-case-turns-your-smartphone-into-a-health-tracker/
https://techrunner.org/2014/03/20/wello-mobile-case-turns-your-smartphone-into-a-health-tracker/#respondThu, 20 Mar 2014 16:34:30 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=336]]>Your smartphone could soon be all you need to perform a quick check-up following the release of a new mobile phone case which turns your device into a health tracker.

Looking to dispel the recent surge of interest surrounding smartwatches, the Wello case from Azoi can track your blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels and even measure and display ECG waves from your heart. Users can also test their lung function through a small included attachment to blow into, with the data then being transferred to an accompanying app which monitors and displays the results.

Wello can monitor several key health indicators to ensure you stay in shape

The thin and ultra-light case is compatible with all iOS phones with Bluetooth LE, which include the iPhone 4S, 5 and 5S. The technology will also work with all Android KitKat devices, however not as a case, but as an independent insert the size of a business card.

Azoi CEO Hamish Patel said that the company had been working on the technology behind Wello for two years, calling it, “a not so small engineering feat in microelectronics, nanosensors, imaging, data analytics and design, that we hope will make a big difference in helping the world become a healthier place.”

Wello can also connect with other health and fitness devices such as pedometers and sleep trackers to help identify how different behaviours can affect a user’s bodily state.

The device also offers ‘safe and secure’ remote access for users, meaning that it can be used to monitor the health details of others (such as family members) too.

The Wello case is available now to pre-order

“All too often, health problems go undetected until they are too late to address,” Patel said. “We believe that through improved self-awareness of key vitals, technology could very easily reduce the incidence and impact of a wide range of illnesses and diseases. Not only could this help ensure healthier, happier lives, but it could also ease the growing burden on healthcare services.”

Wello is available to pre-order now for £120, with units shipping to 35 countries in the autumn pending approval from the FDA.

The company is also running a referral scheme which sees early buyers earning $10 for each person they get to pre-order, meaning that popular-enough users could get the device for free.

In a company blog post, Google senior vice president of Android, Chrome and apps, Sundar Pichai, described how the new OS will allow the search engine giant to extend Android to a rapidly growing product sector, with smartwatches the company’s primary target.

Android is bringing its stylish look to a smartwatch near you

“Most of us are rarely without our smartphones in hand,” Pichai wrote. “But we’re only at the beginning; we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible with mobile technology. That’s why we’re so excited about wearables—they understand the context of the world around you, and you can interact with them simply and efficiently, with just a glance or a spoken word.”

Pichai listed LG, Asus, HTC, Motorola, and Samsung as hardware partners for Android Wear, along with Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, Mediatek and Qualcomm as chip partners, although details on specific products are yet to appear.

The new OS, which Pichai revealed two weeks ago at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, includes several new features designed specifically for wearable technology devices.

This includes the same always-listening experience seen in Google Glass, as well as the recently launched Moto X, meaning that whenever you need to do something with your watch, you just need to say “OK Google.” This feature can also be used to control other Android devices, meaning you could use it to start playing a music playlist on your phone, or to act as a Siri-esque question service. A video released by Google alongside the news shows users accessing apps such as Google Maps and Messages, but also using devices to track a taxi, monitor the amount of calories being burnt, and checking in for a flight.

The new OS will let users operate all their favourite Android apps from a smartwatch

Google is now opening up Android Wear to developers, with Pichai saying he is excited to see what apps are produced to take full advantage of the flexibility of wearable devices.

Interested companies can now download a ‘Developer Preview’ of Android Wear from Google’s developer site, which will allow them to tailor their existing app notifications for smartwatches powered by the new OS. There is no sign of a software development kit (SDK) for Android Wear, with Google simply saying it is ‘coming soon’.

“We’re always seeking new ways for technology to help people live their lives and this is just another step in that journey,” Pichai said. “Here’s to getting the most out of the many screens you use every day—whether in your car, in your pocket or, very soon, on your wrist.”

]]>https://techrunner.org/2014/03/19/google-announces-android-wear-the-os-for-smartwatches/feed/0reynardsportsPebble App Store Finally Comes To Androidhttps://techrunner.org/2014/03/19/pebble-app-store-finally-comes-to-android/
https://techrunner.org/2014/03/19/pebble-app-store-finally-comes-to-android/#respondWed, 19 Mar 2014 17:30:02 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=332]]>Pebble has announced a new version of its appstore which allows Android users to access and download apps, a month after launching the service for iOS devices.

In a blog post on the company’s site, Pebble apologised for the delay in providing the service to Android users.

“It’s taken a bit longer than expected,” the blog post said, “but we wanted our Android users to enjoy the same seamless and delightful experience we recently provided to Pebblers on iOS.”

Android users can now download apps for their device

The new app also features a revamped user interface design, alongside several new features, including a directory which lets users browse, find, and install the latest “watchapps” for Pebble, as well as the Watchapp locker, which lets users manage the apps they have already installed.

iOS users had been able to use the appstore since early February, giving them access to an initial offer of over 500 apps. Prior to that, users discovered apps and different displays for their device (called watchfaces) using third party resources.

The Pebble can only have a maximum of eight apps loaded at once, however, so users may need to think hard about what services they want to keep.

Pebble was one of Kickstarter’s major success stories

Pebble also announced that it had also signed up three major new partners to the Pebble appstore: eBay, Evernote, and Time Warner Cable.

eBay’s app gives users to their eBay Feed through their device, allowing them to browse for products which they can then add to their Watch List before completing the transaction on their smartphone, tablet or PC.

“eBay for Pebble smartwatch is our latest announcement at the forefront of merging commerce and technology” said Steve Yankovich, vice president, innovation and new ventures at eBay Inc. ”eBay is constantly innovating, pivoting and evolving new technologies to build superior customer experiences.”

Evernote’s app gives users access to Evernote features like Checklists, Reminders, and Notebooks, and allows them to view upcoming reminders and bring up notes.

Lastly, Time Warner Cable’s app allows subscribers to the company’s Intelligent Home scheme to control a variety of smart home functions from their wrists, including controls over in-house security provisions, along with power and light control.

Pebble is one of the major success stories from crowdfunding website Kickstarter, with its manufacturers raising over $10 million (£6.2m) in financial support from users, making it the most successful crowd-funding project in the website’s history. The device began shipping last month, and quickly sold out due to high demand, but can now be purchased for $150 from the company’s website.

]]>https://techrunner.org/2014/03/19/pebble-app-store-finally-comes-to-android/feed/0reynardsportsBest of the wearables at Mobile World Congress 2014https://techrunner.org/2014/02/28/best-of-the-wearables-at-mobile-world-congress/
https://techrunner.org/2014/02/28/best-of-the-wearables-at-mobile-world-congress/#respondFri, 28 Feb 2014 16:39:46 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=328]]>This week has seen the annual Mobile World Congress event taking place in Barcelona. The biggest event of the year for mobile device manufacturers, this year many companies brought along their wearable technology devices to show off to the crowds.

We’ll hopefully have some hands-on reviews to bring you soon, but in the meantime, please find a selection of the best from the show below!

Samsung Gear 2

Availability and pricing: April, pricing TBD

Compatibility: “Dozens” of Samsung Galaxy devices

What Is It? The Samsung Gear 2 is a smartwatch that can display notifications from your smartphone on your wrist. It also has fitness tracking capabilities with pedometer functions and a built-in heart-rate sensor. Unlike the company’s first smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear, the Gear 2 is based on the Tizen platform, not Android.

The Good: The Gear 2 now has a built-in heart sensor. It is lighter and thinner than the Galaxy Gear and feels better on the wrist. You can also swap the bands with any standard 22mm watch strap. Battery life is now extended from one day to two to three days.

The Bad: Only compatible with Galaxy devices. It’s also still rather bulky.

Samsung Gear 2 Neo

Availability and pricing: April, pricing TBD

Compatibility: “Dozens” of Samsung Galaxy phones

What Is It? The Gear 2 Neo is similar to the Gear 2, but lacks a camera. It’s also made from polycarbonate plastic rather than metal, thus lighter than the Gear 2.

The Good: Though pricing has not been announced, it will be cheaper than the Gear 2.

The Bad: Only compatible with Galaxy devices.

Samsung Gear Fit

Availability and pricing: April, pricing TBD

Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy devices

What Is It? Unlike the Gear 2 watches, the Gear Fit’s primary function is that of a fitness tracker. It includes a heart-rate sensor, pedometer and sleep tracker. The wristband can still display notifications from your phone, but there is no built-in mic for calls or a camera. The Gear Fit runs on a real-time operating system, not Tizen or Android.

The Good: The 1.84-inch Super AMOLED is absolutely gorgeous. The wristband is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and the curved display rests nicely on the wrist.

What Is It? The TalkBand B1 is an interesting device, as it combines a fitness tracker with a Bluetooth headset. As a fitness band, it has a 1.4-inch non-touch OLED display and tracks steps taken, calories burned and hours slept. But then you can pop the main piece out of the rubber strap and use it as a Bluetooth headset to take calls.

The Good: The hybrid design helps minimize the number of gadgets you have to carry. The strap has an integrated USB connector for easy charging.

The Bad: The integrated Bluetooth headset design makes it a bit thick up top. The band is also very difficult to put on, and the two-prong fastener doesn’t feel terribly secure.

Sony SmartBand

Availability and pricing:March, 99 Euros (around $135 U.S.)

Compatibility: Android 4.4 devices

What Is It? Aside from tracking the standard fitness measurements and alerting you to phone notifications, the SmartBand was designed to help chronicle your daily life. Using a companion smartphone app called Lifelog, you can press a button on the band to create a “life bookmark” and it will remember where you were, who you were with, photos taken and blips of information from that place and time. All that data is then recorded in the app in a sort of visual journal.

The Good: The SmartBand has a very minimalistic and comfortable design.

The Bad: It lacks any kind of display, so you still have to pull out your smartphone to view your notifications and check your fitness stats.

]]>https://techrunner.org/2014/02/28/best-of-the-wearables-at-mobile-world-congress/feed/0reynardsportsSamsung Gear 2Samsung Gear 2 NeoSamsung Gear FitHuawei TalkBand B1Sony SmartBandFitbit confirms it is looking into user rash complaintshttps://techrunner.org/2014/02/17/fitbit-confirms-it-is-looking-into-user-rash-complaints/
https://techrunner.org/2014/02/17/fitbit-confirms-it-is-looking-into-user-rash-complaints/#commentsMon, 17 Feb 2014 16:49:10 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=326]]>We reported a while back that some Fitbit users were reporting that their devices were causing them discomfort – from mild chafing to full on allergic reactions.

It seems that the company has finally heard the growing complaints, as the Wall Street Journal has confirmed that Fitbit is now conducting an ‘extensive investigation’ into this.

The Fitbit has been a critical success so far

In a statement, Fitbit Chief Executive James Park said the company has been conducting “an extensive investigation,” and believes the skin problems are “allergic contact dermatitis, which can resemble a sunburn or a rash.”

In a blog post last month, Park said Fitbit believed the rashes were most likely allergic reactions to nickel, a component of the steel in the Force. “Our investigation is looking beyond nickel to other potential causes as well,” a Fitbit spokeswoman said.

In January, Mr. Park wrote that tests by an independent lab had ruled out a mechanical or electrical defect. Fitbit has begun offering refunds or exchanges to unhappy Force customers.

Fitbit released the Force in October, and complaints started before the end of 2013. The company says the device can “track steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed and active minutes throughout the day.” At night, it tracks users’ sleep patterns. Data can be seen on the wristband’s display or on a smartphone or computer.

We’ll keep an ear to the ground regarding any further developments, but in the meantime, if you’re suffering from any issues, you can contact the company via their website.

]]>https://techrunner.org/2014/02/17/fitbit-confirms-it-is-looking-into-user-rash-complaints/feed/1reynardsportsNew study demonstrates the most popular run routes in world’s major citieshttps://techrunner.org/2014/02/11/new-study-demonstrates-the-most-popular-run-routes-in-top-cities/
https://techrunner.org/2014/02/11/new-study-demonstrates-the-most-popular-run-routes-in-top-cities/#respondTue, 11 Feb 2014 16:33:54 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=322]]>Ever been out for a run and thought that it seems busier than usual? Everyone has their own favourite routes, especially in cities, where getting to experience wider open spaces or even just some greenery or water!

Some fantastic new images from the folks over at Flowing Data have compiled data from RunKeeper users to plot the most popular routes for a range of cities – and the results make for interesting viewing.

Starting with our home town, we can see that the favourite routes around London all focus on the river Thames. There is a major surge of activity around the Embankment and Westminster areas as runner look to take in the sights and the river all at once. Elsewhere, the city’s major parks are also popular, with Hyde Park, Regents’ Park and St. James’ Park all featuring highly. The huge surge of activity around the centre of the city is due to the popularity of lunchtime runs, as time-poor employees look to get some exercise into their lunch breaks.

New York is next, with the seafront areas around Manhattan proving very popular with runners. Central Park is unsurprisingly popular as well, with many runners continuing up towards Harlem and the Bronx. Southwards of the city, Brooklyn Heights and Sunset Park prove major attractions as runners flock to the Hudson River’s edge.

Now for Paris, which sees a very even spread throughout the city. Runners here apparently like to take a major loop to the Bois de Boulogne in the West and the Bois des Vincennes in the East.

Lastly, Sydney – where the runners tend not to stray outside the city, but instead look towards the seafront to make up their routes.

The maps were built by Dr. Nathan Yau. “There are many exercise apps that allow you to keep track of your running, riding, and other activities,” he said.

Yau decided that the information was too personal, and wanted to join the individual tracks together.

‘If there’s one quick (and expected) takeaway, it’s that people like to run by the water and in parks, probably to get away from cars and the scenery.

‘In the smaller inland cities, there seem to be a few high-traffic roads with less running elsewhere.’

]]>https://techrunner.org/2014/02/11/new-study-demonstrates-the-most-popular-run-routes-in-top-cities/feed/0reynardsportsJanuary Resolution Starting To Slip? Let Fitmob Take The Strainhttps://techrunner.org/2014/01/27/january-resolution-starting-to-slip-let-fitmob-take-the-strain/
https://techrunner.org/2014/01/27/january-resolution-starting-to-slip-let-fitmob-take-the-strain/#commentsMon, 27 Jan 2014 21:16:25 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=320]]>A new fitness app, website and workout service aims to upend gym habits by charging users less the more they workout.

Called Fitmob, the fitness service eschews the normal gym model and instead connects users directly with fitness trainers for classes. The trainers put together the class and find a workout space through Fitmob, which has researched venues that rent by the hour.

Fitmob allows instructors and gym-goers to workout wherever they want

Users can then attend the class and rate the trainers so other users know exactly what they’re in for.

While gyms will oversell their memberships knowing that many January signups will be no shows in August, the creators of Fitmob want to incentivise working out. They charge users less money the more classes users go to per week.

For example one class per week is $15, two is $10 each and three or more is $5 each and there is no upfront fee. If you miss a week, you aren’t charged anything.

Co-founder and CEO of Fitmob, Raj Kapoor said he was inspired to start Fitmob after learning that about the high rates of unused memberships.

Fitmob has already had major financial backing and looks destined for success

Around 60 percent of gym memberships are unused by some estimates. Kapoor said he wanted to use the app and the website so that people would have workout communities and be more committed to exercise.

“Why don’t we create neighbourhood communities, instead of using fancy equipment,” said Kapoor. “All you need is human body weight and you can get an amazing workout.”

Kapoor co-founded Fitmob with Tony Horton who developed P90x, an intense home workout. While eventually any user will be allowed to hold a class, in the early stages Kapoor said they have picked certified trainers to focus on yoga, core strength and running classes.

He’s says they’re also committed to finding unusual “fun” workouts with classes such as “Twerkout Conditioning” or “Weapons of A– Reduction.”

“If it’s not a chore, you’re much more likely to continue,” said Kapoor.

In the future if a class is held by a user, other potential students will be able to see if the class leader is certified and what other students have rated the class.

“They have to commit to a minimum schedule [of classes] and then if they don’t show up it will appear on their ratings like an EBay rating,” said Kapoor.

Kapoor said that the trainers would receive the majority of the profits from each class, but did not specify how much.

]]>https://techrunner.org/2014/01/27/january-resolution-starting-to-slip-let-fitmob-take-the-strain/feed/1reynardsportsAtlas, the ‘Ultimate Fitness Tracker’, is primed for releasehttps://techrunner.org/2014/01/23/atlas-the-ultimate-fitness-tracker-is-primed-for-release/
https://techrunner.org/2014/01/23/atlas-the-ultimate-fitness-tracker-is-primed-for-release/#respondThu, 23 Jan 2014 19:38:47 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=318]]>Smartwatches have becoming increasingly popular in the last few months, as many companies, both large and small, set out to catch a piece of the wearable technology sector.

One of the latest is from Atlas Wearables, whose eponymous device has just passed its Indiegogo target of $125,000 and will be shipping to customers soon.

Atlas is able to detect a wide variety of exercises to track your activity

Labelled ‘the ultimate fitness tracker’ by the company, Atlas looks to go beyond simply measuring your steps to measuring your success. Atlas logs your workout with almost zero user action, with the device tracking and identifying different activities, evaluates your form, counts your reps, calculates the calories you burned, and keeps track of your heart rate so you can see how each movement affects your body.

These activities are then plotted onto x-, y- and z-axes on a 3D display, allowing you to measure and track your progress easily. The company believes the device is so accurate that it can tell the difference between such exercises as bicep curls and alternating bicep curls and squats versus dead lifts.

The devices should be available in a few months

It’s preloaded with the most popular exercises and can learn new exercises you teach it so you can instantly see your progress, analyse your form, anticipate plateaus and find what makes you stronger, faster.

Atlas is compatible with many top fitness apps, including MapMyFitness and Fitocracy, meaning that when you leave the gym, all of your hard-earned workout data gets synced with whichever app you have. There is also scope for further development too, as Atlas is also built on an open API so users can create new and innovative applications to use with the wristband.

If you’re lucky enough to have pre-ordered one of the devices, you should have one soon. For those who haven’t, check out the Atlas Indiegogo page – the devices start at $159.

]]>https://techrunner.org/2014/01/23/atlas-the-ultimate-fitness-tracker-is-primed-for-release/feed/0reynardsportsNike launches second generation FlyKnit Shoe – the Lunar2https://techrunner.org/2014/01/23/nike-launches-second-generation-flyknit-shoe-the-lunar2/
https://techrunner.org/2014/01/23/nike-launches-second-generation-flyknit-shoe-the-lunar2/#respondThu, 23 Jan 2014 16:05:50 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=316]]>Nike’s Flyknit technology was a stunning advancement for the company – a real sign that it was stepping up its activity in the running shoe space, but also a sign of great innovation. Following the release of the Flyknit Lunar+1 shoe in March 2013, the company has now unveiled the second generation of its footwear – the Lunar2.

Weighing in at just 7 ounces, the shoe is described by Nike as ‘the formula for the perfect run’. The Lunar2 combines an ultralight yet supportive and stretchier Flyknit upper combined with soft, responsive Lunarlon cushioning. The shoes also feature an attached tongue that stays in place and an outsole pattern that more closely matches how the foot naturally moves through a stride.

The design of Nike’s Flyknit Lunar “neutral ride” line uses micro-engineered Flyknit technology that provides support, strength, and ventilation around the upper shoe, with Lunarlon cushioning for a super-soft landing.

“The Flyknit Lunar2 brings two of our best innovations and technologies together in one package,” says Rob Dolan, senior design director for Nike Running. “You get the great soft, responsive, fluid ride of Lunarlon cushioning with this amazing, light but supportive upper through Flyknit. It’s a magical combination.”

The FlyKnit Lunar2 is Nike’s latest blockbuster running shoe

The shoes are available in a volt/white-blue glow colour scheme for men and atomic orange/white-purple style for women. They will go on sale in select retailers and online beginning February 6 for $160.

However, creative runners can customise their shoe’s colour scheme and even stitch in a personal or motivational message to help you stay committed with Nike’s online NikeiD store.

]]>https://techrunner.org/2014/01/23/nike-launches-second-generation-flyknit-shoe-the-lunar2/feed/0reynardsportsNabu SmartBand covers all the baseshttps://techrunner.org/2014/01/17/nabu-smartband-covers-all-the-bases/
https://techrunner.org/2014/01/17/nabu-smartband-covers-all-the-bases/#respondFri, 17 Jan 2014 16:59:37 +0000http://techrunner.org/?p=312]]>Razer is a company you might associate first and foremost with audio or gaming peripherals, but this year’s CES contained a lot of companies entering the wearable technology space for the first time.

So meet the Nabu, not the Star Wars planet, but Razer’s take on wearable tech. Part smartwatch and part fitness band (like the Jawbone Up), the Nabu provides the best of both worlds.

The Razer Nabu allows your to take calls on the go

There’s the public side on the outside of the band that shows basic notifications like incoming calls. Then, for a little more privacy from prying eyes, there’s a private screen that’s located on the inside of the wrist, which will show information such as emails, messages and the biometric data that the Nabu is constantly collecting.

It can also be connected to your Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter accounts and, through a handshake, high-five or maybe even a pat on the back, will share your contact information with fellow Nabu users. But along with all of this, it will also track your activity and measure various bits of bio-data.

The Nabu is built to work with both the iOS and Android platforms, and will include an app that pairs the device to your platform of choice while also allowing you to adjust your privacy setting.

And its this community aspect which helps set the Nabu apart. Bringing in the gamification factor which we’ve seen a lot of recently, the Nabu will use its band-to-band communication features to find nearby friends or mutual acquaintances, all depending on the pre-defined users settings, and compare records or even challenge each other.

The stylish Nabu should be available later this year

Razer is even in talks with major game companies regarding development opportunities for future games. The company is also releasing the SDK to any and all developers who are interested in developing software for the band, meaning a wide variety of new and fun ways to exercise and interact should be heading the way of its users soon.

Apparently the Nabu will be released in the next couple of months, and should be priced at a minimal $50. Final retail pricing will be announced in the near future, so watch this space.